Capital of the Falkland Islands, and with a population
of around 2,000 it is the smallest and most remote capital city
in the world, in many ways like an English village, but with a Government
House, a Cathedral and a wide range of amenities and services. It
is the usual finishing (and/or starting) point for visitors to the
Falklands.
The city is built on a north-facing slope to catch the sun throughout
the year, and looks across Stanley Harbour with its wealth of seabirds
and shipping. It has much of historical interest mainly associated
with the days when great sailing ships and early steam vessels called
on their journeys around Cape Horn. Some of those ships still lie
in the harbour, abandoned after a Cape Horn battering. A self-guided
Maritime History Trail has been set up in Stanley and guide books
are available from local shops.
Today Stanley depicts a new vibrant Falklands, and is home to many
successful businesses, with deep-sea fishing, tourism and farming
being the principle earners.
Tourist information is available from the Jetty Visitor Centre located
at the Public Jetty on Ross Road. The bright yellow building houses
the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.
Acommodation Stanley
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Stanley. We
would recommend the equally centrally located Malvina House Hotel,
Lafone House and The Waterfront Hotel, all on Ross Road (Stanley’s
main street which runs along the harbour front). These establishments
offer rooms with ensuite facilities, and either full board or bed
& breakfast tariffs. Alternatively, to get the real Falklands
feel, Bennett House and Kay’s B&B are family guesthouses
run by Falkland Islanders, offering guests a chance to sample true
local hospitality.
Please follow the Hotels link on the right for further
information about each of these accommodation options available
in Stanley
Day Excursions from Stanley
Stanley is an ideal location from which to access other areas
of East Falkland. A firm favourite is the King penguin colony at
Volunteer Point or the wildlife centres at Cape Bougainville and
Cape Dolphin. A bit closer to home the area known as Cape Pembroke
and in particular Gypsy Cove are popular attractions particularly
with day visitors disembarking from cruise ships. Our extremely
knowledgeable and qualified guides will make battlefield tours of
the mountains to the west of Stanley, or further afield to Fitzroy,
Darwin or San Carlos a truly enjoyable day out.
Views of Stanley from the harbour, with its colourful roofs, make
for excellent photographic opportunities so it is always worth taking
time to enjoy a wreck and harbour tour or a trip to Kidney Cove
penguin colonies by small motorised launch. Often dolphins can be
seen swimming alongside the boat, making this an extra special outing.
To read more about excursions from Stanley, please click on one
of the links below, or follow any of the links from the main menu
above...
Don't miss...
The Falkland Islands Museum, a charming and informal museum full
of fascinating artefacts that paint a vivid picture of the way of
life and history of a pioneering community. Nutt Cartmell Cottage,
an example of a traditional Falkland house, should not be missed.
Cape Pembroke Lighthouse & Memorial to Atlantic Conveyor - the
most easterly point of the Falkland Islands; the key for the lighthouse
can be borrowed from the Museum.
Gypsy Cove is an area of outstanding beauty, flanked by a beach
of beautiful white sand and rich in wildlife including Magellanic
penguins - located only a short drive away from Stanley, take a
tour to this spot of coastal natural beauty.
Don’t forget to buy your Falklands souvenirs before you leave
– locally made woollen and felt goods and kits, small jars
of local diddle-dee jam, tins of oysters, local artwork and books
are always popular.
